Curtains are important element decoration of the window opening, which carries both aesthetic and practical functions. This textile is designed to hide the owners from prying eyes, as well as to regulate the lighting of the room. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the aesthetic component: curtains should not only be functional, but also matched to the interior, and also emphasize the window opening. Choosing the right curtains becomes more difficult if they are going to be installed on a small window, since there are a large number of restrictions.
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Basic selection rules
When selecting curtains and additional textiles, designers advise taking into account the features of the interior that the curtains will highlight, but at the same time they ask you to follow the basic general rules:
- Choose plain products. They do not draw the eye to a small window and visually enlarge the opening.
- Give up decor. Additional elements on the curtains make them more voluminous, and it seems to the owner as if the window is entirely hidden behind aggressively decorated textiles. Only in exceptional cases is a small and simple pattern allowed: checkered patterns, dull polka dots, plant motifs.
- Avoid floor-length curtains. A narrow or low window will look awkward against the backdrop of massive long curtains. If the window opening is small, then the curtains should not be large.
- Install the cornice correctly. It should be wider than the window opening, as this will visually increase the size of the window. At the ends of the cornice you can install decorative attachments that are dim but interesting in shape. They will distract the attention of guests from the opening itself.
- Use additional elements above. Since the curtains themselves are rarely decorated only in the upper part, it is recommended to purchase other types of curtains. In the best way An elegant way to disguise the small size of a window opening is to use a lambrequin. This element is a short but wide textile strip, similar to a heavily cut curtain.
The lambrequin occupies no more than a quarter of the window in the upper part, so it does not “eat up” daylight. At the same time, it creates the illusion of an impressive window opening.
- Use drawstrings or curtain holders. If you have been selected classic curtains, which are two strips of textiles, it is recommended to gather the curtains closer to the bottom and move them to the side from the windows. Thus, the line of curtains will gradually expand. It is better to place the holders 10-15 cm from the window opening, so that from below it is not blocked at all, but only softly framed.
- If style allows, use simple Roman blinds. When folded, they perform the function of lambrequins, drawing attention to the upper part of the window, and when opened, they do not press, but seem light. Such curtains are practical and are one of the modern trends, and also practically do not collect dust.
- Select curtains exactly to match the style of the room. If the curtains turn out to be too original and stand out from the overall scheme and atmosphere, they will invariably attract the eye and focus attention on the lack of a window.
When designing a small window, it is advisable to use the services of a designer to avoid basic mistakes. However, an amateur who has familiarized himself with the above rules can cope with the task.
Maintaining unity of style and color scheme is very important, but, in addition, you should also choose curtains based on the principle of practicality, as well as based on their purpose.
For the kitchen
The kitchen space is one of the most used spaces in the house. This is where textiles get dirty most quickly, as they are exposed to various fumes, and sometimes stains from food or drinks appear on them. When choosing curtains, it is important to consider the level of practicality.
Long curtains made of thick fabric are not suitable for the kitchen. They will not only “eat” visual space, but they will quickly get dirty, and will take a long time to wash and dry. If the owner wants to visually expand the window and at the same time choose curtains without sacrificing practicality, you should pay attention to modern models Roman or roller blinds made of artificial materials. Synthetic fiber dries faster and gets dirty less. It is often treated with a special compound that repels dust and dirt.
Optimal choice There will be light Roman blinds with horizontal soft stripes. This type pattern visually expands the window.
If the window is very small or faces the north side, where there is always not enough sun, it is recommended to use light translucent tulle instead of Roman blinds. It can be white or a light pastel shade. High-quality tulle allows you to partially hide the owners from prying eyes and at the same time transmits sunlight rather than absorbing it. Tulle is easy to wash and dries quickly. But due to the light texture and monochromatic coloring, tulle textiles do not completely hide the defect of the window.
In order for guests and household members to notice the small dimensions of the window less, you should use a lambrequin that is restrained in style. In the kitchen, this should not be a draped and fringed piece of velvet, but a light, light material, cut to look like a simple geometric shape. An abundance of tassels will make the lambrequin too massive and pressing on the entire kitchen space.
Decoration in the living room
The living room is the place where there should be the greatest number of natural light, since this is where the owners receive guests, spend their leisure time and often engage in work activities. Light is necessary to keep household members active. If the room has a small window, the problem of natural light becomes even more acute.
Curtains in this type of room should be quite large, since all the furniture in the living room is usually large in size. Light translucent tulle will look ridiculous against the backdrop of a large sofa or modular storage system. In addition, the living room requires more privacy than the kitchen, which means thicker curtains.
Designers believe that the optimal in this case The solution is to sew curtains yourself from light but dense materials. WITH outside(facing the street) the fabric must be high-quality dyed so that the dye does not fade under the influence of the sun. On the inside, which is accessible to the eyes of household members, there should not be any catchy patterns. The principle of minimalism continues here. You should pay attention to products in the following shades:
- lilac;
- light blue;
- grey;
- lavender;
- pistachio;
- soft pink;
- soft orange;
- beige.
Most universal option are gray curtains. They shade black and white interior, emphasize red-gray, and also look good against the backdrop of rooms decorated as Scandinavian style. But when choosing a shade, you should first of all focus on the color scheme of the entire interior. Perhaps a consultant will help you select the color of the fabric. In large stores home textiles There are designers who are even ready to create a quick three-dimensional floor plan with color arrangements. The curtains will already be selected for it. This service is not free, but it will cost much less than hiring a designer separately.
If you need to hide the living room from outside views, but still leave it sunny enough, you should use light Roman blinds or thicker curtains with small translucent areas. For example, curtains with a geometric pattern made of translucent material are sold. Let us remind you that simple patterns, especially horizontal ones, are not a disadvantage, but only an advantage for a small window opening. But complex compositions in the hall are strictly prohibited.
In the living room, as in other rooms, the basic rule should be followed: curtains are short and wide. If you want to frame the window opening all the way to the floor, you can use light tulle in a shade that does not attract attention.
For the bedroom
In the bedroom it is necessary to create the most intimate atmosphere, so the material is always selected dense and light-proof. It is recommended to make a set of different curtains: thick curtains designed to protect from the light of lanterns at night, translucent Roman blinds to hide from prying eyes during the day, as well as tulle, which acts as a frame at any time. It is important to remember that the more types of curtains are used at the same time, the more difficult it is to create a harmonious composition.
Recently, in interior design, there has been an increasing desire of people for bright rooms, the windows in which are becoming larger. But tall and narrow windows have their own specific design. Curtains for them should be selected with special care, so as not to spoil the entire original idea.
On the other hand, giving such windows sophistication and special charm is not so difficult. Curtains for narrow windows are most often sewn in noble, classic style, which emphasizes all their sophistication and beauty, but there are other solutions that we will consider below.
Timeless "classic"
If the entire interior of your room is designed in a strict classical style, then the curtains on the windows should fully correspond to it. And in order to avoid mistakes when designing, you need to know several basic features characteristic of the classic style:
- shape - it must be rectangular, and the curtains themselves are made sliding;
- it would not be superfluous to provide for the presence of additional decor, such as lambrequins, tiebacks, and so on;
- the length of the curtains - it always reaches the floor, and may even fall down to it;
- A mandatory attribute is a curtain - a solid curtain made of light and transparent fabric, such as, for example, organza, tulle or veil. Its length may well be arbitrary.
To better understand what is meant, look at the photo already ready-made curtains for narrow windows. They clearly show that a thick curtain is an even cut, softly draped in folds, and the curtain, or rather its lower edge, can be of different shapes.
Always beautiful "Italy"
Features of curtains for narrow windows Italian style is their versatility. This style was formed during the Roman Empire, but even today it remains in demand due to its ability to fit into absolutely any style of room. Curtains in the Italian style will be appropriate in combination with a strict classic interior, and with modern high-tech or minimalism. It is easy to distinguish this style from others. The edges of the fabric for them are processed in a special way:
- They are assembled in a special way into folds that overlap each other.
- A special lifting mechanism is installed.
- Also, special slats are installed on them, which help make the folds perfectly even.
As a result, when folded, Italian curtains have neat folds in their upper part, which are clearly visible in the photo, and when unfolded, they resemble a flat and dense screen that effectively protects against sun rays during sleep, and from prying eyes, and from random drafts.
Austrian style in curtains for narrow windows
The fashion for this type of drapes and curtains has come into modern times since the eighteenth century and still continues to decorate luxurious interiors living rooms modern apartments and houses. They give a special charm to narrow windows. Their second name is scalloped curtains. They received it because, when raised, lush and beautiful folds, which create a festive mood among those around them, enveloping the owners and guests with warmth home comfort and, at the same time, luxury.
Let's sum it up
Of course, there are many more options for curtains for narrow windows than we could list in this article. But these can safely be called the main ones. And, as you can see, they all add additional chic, charm, comfort and beauty to the interior. Just by looking at the photo, you can feel how you are immersed in this amazing atmosphere.
You should approach the design of non-standard or small windows creatively, boldly using the possibilities of color, shape and type of different curtains. After all, with the right combination, they can not only decorate, but also correct incorrect proportions. We offer you a selection of photos with ideas for curtains for small windows.
Possible options
Among the typical variety of curtains, the following are most suitable:
Textile Features
Among the entire range of fabrics, light, transparent, natural or mixed ones will be more acceptable. It is worth completely abandoning the use of velvet, wool and other pompous heavy materials.
If you need to use a patterned fabric, choose a small floral or geometric pattern. A large abstraction or flowers on a small section will look ridiculous.
The properties of textiles must be taken into account when decorating various rooms: synthetics that can withstand frequent washing are suitable; it is better to choose natural linen or cambric; in the living room you can also use thick curtains.
Design techniques
A common method for placing a wider frame over a narrow window. With its help, you can adjust not only the width, but also the height of the opening.
If the frame has correct form And beautiful view, it can be highlighted by painting it with contrasting paint. There is no need to completely cover it with a curtain. Neat pleated curtain with tension system when both the lower and upper edges are secured with a wide tie in the middle it will look very advantageous.
If you need to decorate a frame recessed into a niche, use an ensemble of Roman and simple rectangular curtains located on the sides. The glass unit itself is covered over the entire area with a translucent Roman cloth made of lace, linen in pastel colors or other material with small ornaments, while the baguette is selected in accordance with the width of the niche. A curtain with beautiful vertical folds is attached to it.
You need to use striped fabric wisely, because it can create visual illusions: a horizontal stripe would be appropriate on a narrow window, and a vertical stripe on a wide window. And in no case is it the other way around.
Small windows will require knowledge of techniques for visually changing space using color, length of products, their style and combinations. The right combinations of textiles can hide the miniature size of the window and emphasize the style of the interior.
Curtains, like other accessories in the room, give the interior a finished look, emphasize the design features, and complement general impression about housing. Well-chosen curtains can not only decorate the windows, but also visually neutralize certain shortcomings, for example, a shape that is too narrow and long window openings. We will talk about the design features of narrow windows further.
Windows of this configuration have two significant shortcomings: they visually narrow the space of the room and reduce the amount of light entering the room. When designing narrow windows, you should follow some rules:
- You can visually expand the window using a cornice. To do this, you need to choose a structure whose width will be at least 50 cm greater than the width of the window itself. In accordance with the size of the cornice, you need to select curtains. IN open form the curtains will be located opposite the wall, and the glazed part will remain completely uncurtained. This will create the effect of a wider window, and light will penetrate into the room as much as possible.
- In rooms with narrow long windows and high ceilings can be used interesting technique: hang curtains with horizontal patterns. A drawing of such a plan will expand the window, but resort to in a similar way in rooms with low ceilings not recommended.
- A low-lying window can be decorated with a lambrequin, which will hide the excess space above the window. Another way to decorate such a window is to fix the cornice almost under the ceiling and hang it on it. long curtains to the floor.
- Large rooms with high ceilings and narrow, high windows sometimes look completely uncomfortable. To bring a bit of comfort to such rooms, you can play with the colors of the curtains. Curtains in bright colors with beautiful large prints will look very appropriate in such a situation. Please note that it is advisable to cut curtains of this type according to the size of the window, since numerous folds will hide the patterns on the canvas.
- Sometimes the focal point of a room is the window itself. It may have an unusual frame, beautiful glass with a pattern or stained glass, or originally finished slopes. Under no circumstances should such windows be hidden with curtains. It is best to choose light transparent curtains, but if we are talking about a bedroom where it will be difficult to relax in bright light, you can use roller blinds. When there is no need for twilight, such curtains will be raised and hidden in an elegant box.
- The color of curtains plays an important role when decorating windows. It is customary to select fabrics that will match the style of the room and echo its color scheme. Curtains matched to the tone of the lampshades look good, sofa cushions, tablecloths and other accessories. It is important to select curtains so that they do not blend in shade with the walls. In addition, if the walls in the room are plain, it is better to give preference to curtains with a pattern, but if there is an ornament on the walls, curtains without prints will look more advantageous in such an interior.
Narrow window design ideas
The design of a narrow window will only look appropriate if it resonates with the interior style of the room. Let's look at some ideas for decorating narrow windows:
Original ways to decorate windows
You can make the window the highlight of the room in different ways, and curtains will not always play a leading role. Let's consider unusual ideas that will help highlight narrow windows and turn them into the main accent of the interior:
- Curtains with a contrasting lining look very original; moreover, this technique also has practical value, since it allows you to shade the window and almost completely cut off daylight. To make lined curtains, choose two contrasting materials. Their shades should combine well with each other; one of the fabrics may have a black out effect, reflecting daylight. Decide which side of the curtains will face the room and which side will face the window. Position the curtains so that the lining is slightly visible from under the outer fabric.
- You can highlight a window using an unusual cornice. To do this, for example, you can paint it in some bright color. It’s quite difficult to find a similar cornice on sale, since few people decide to undertake such experiments, but you can buy paint of absolutely any shade and do the work yourself. The color of the cornice must match some detail of the room, but not the curtains. With curtains, on the contrary, the shade of the cornice should contrast as much as possible.
- Attaching curtains can also be original, especially if you use a metal curtain rod. The elements on which the curtain will be fixed can be made of leather, fabric, wood, plastic, glass, etc. All these parts can be found in specialized stores.
- Playing with contrasting fabrics will also help bring a touch of freshness and originality to the interior. Such curtains can be made to order or sewn yourself. This process is not at all complicated. First, measure the window and calculate how much fabric you may need to sew curtains. Divide the resulting figure into two unequal parts. For example, for a 10-meter curtain you will need 3 meters of fabric of the same color and 7 meters of contrasting fabric. Fabrics can be selected from the same collection - this way they will look especially harmonious. But they should differ from each other in shade.
- Any textile accessories, if chosen with taste, will emphasize not only the beauty of the window and curtains, but also the interior of the room itself. Accessories can be purchased in specialized stores or made to order.
- When designing narrow windows, curtains made from horizontal stripes look good. Such work requires not only excellent taste, but also skill, because the fabrics for sewing must be combined in density, structure, composition, care characteristics, etc.
- Narrow window in a room with high ceiling can be decorated with a lambrequin, which will play both practical and decorative roles. The lambrequin should match the curtains in color and type of material. If you want to use a similar detail, keep in mind that a window of this design is appropriate in many, but not all interior styles. For example, for high-tech, avant-garde, constructivism, minimalism, contemporary and some other styles, a window of this type will not be suitable.
